Yellowknife (Apr 29/05) - A report on the need for a new territorial courthouse paints a picture of an institution beset by violence and presided over by judges who are concerned about dining among the public.

"Security is the most prevalent deficiency; it is a major issue that must be addressed," according to the authors of the working paper on the new courthouse.

Prepared by Ferguson Simek Clark and Matrix Planning Associates in 1998, the report was based on interviews with Northwest Territories judiciary, an independent security audit and a tour of the existing courthouse.

The report proposes metal detectors, motion detectors, video surveillance and emergency alarms throughout the new courthouse, all monitored from a security centre.

"The acceptability of screening members of the public for contraband has been debated in several jurisdictions," the authors noted.

"The consensus of the judiciary of the NWT (is) that the use of an unobtrusive walkthrough metal detector at the courthouse entrance would be acceptable."

As justification, the authors point to "increasingly frequent incidents, such as domestic assaults in public spaces" and suggested that the largest courtroom be designated "high security with additional screening, a private search area, and dedicated washrooms within a secure suite."

The report shows that cost estimates for the new courthouse have increased significantly, to $40 million from $24.8 million in 1998.

In the last session of the legislature, MLAs approved spending $1.09 million to study a proposed site and prepare plans for a new courthouse.

According to government budget documents, the project would require approval for spending $15.3 million in 2007-08 and another $22 million in subsequent years. The new courthouse is to open in 2010.

The latest cost estimate is based on the 1998 working paper for a new courthouse, which government officials describe as the least expensive option.

The present courthouse was designed as a general-purpose office space. It combines courtrooms with other functions requiring public access, which "has resulted in significant problems in controlling public movement within the building," the report said.

The assessment found that the building does not have sufficient courtrooms to meet current demands and said there is a need for one large enough to seat up to 200, "to accommodate entire jury panels, high profile trials and ceremonial events."

The report also pointed to a need for a more comfortable jury room, interview rooms, witness waiting rooms and a board room. It also proposed that at least one courtroom have translation booths.

A new courthouse would also incorporate the latest communication technologies, including video conferencing and Internet access for the judiciary, lawyers and court clerks.

Video-conferencing facilities are expected to be provided throughout the territories and would be available for expert testimony, first appearances by accused, and warrants and bail applications in remote communities.

The report said the courthouse lacks space for visiting judges. It said the new building should have dedicated space for the chief justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal as well as the chief judge of the territorial court.

It also suggests a judicial dining area, noting that "in a small community like Yellowknife, it is difficult for members of the judiciary to eat in public restaurants without being recognized."

"A dedicated dining room is not necessarily required, as use of a boardroom might be adequate," the authors said. They added that "while it would be difficult to justify the cost of on-site food preparation, catering might be feasible."